BOROUGH parks are celebrating being a cut above the rest after being recognised as some of the UK’s best green and open spaces.

Priory Park, Buffery Park and Wrens Nest National Nature Reserve in Dudley, Mary Stevens Park in Stourbridge and Leasowes Park in Halesowen have been awarded the Green Flag Award.

The Dudley Council-run parks are among 1,883 UK parks and green spaces that have this year received the Green Flag Award – recognised as the mark of a quality park or green space.

Priory Park and Mary Stevens Park have also received the much coveted additional Green Heritage Site Accreditation for the management of historic features at the two beauty spots.

Councillor Karen Shakespeare, the council’s cabinet member for environmental services, said: “Our borough is blessed with a number of beautiful green spaces and I am really pleased that the hard work of our teams and members of the local community has been recognised with this prestigious status.

“We are particularly excited about the Green Heritage awards, which recognise the drive to preserve and celebrate our unique history.”

Abbey Road Allotments in Halesowen has also been recognised with the award.

Although it is Council owned land the allotment, which is situated on the outskirts of Halesowen, is self-managed and has 49 plots included two that are for disabled plot holders.

Mike Hollis, allotment secretary, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Community Award for a third year. The judges report demonstrates that the site has continued to improve.

“We know how much quality green spaces matter to residents and visitors, and this award celebrates the dedication that goes into maintaining Abbey Road Allotments to such a high standard.

“We are one of a relatively small number of allotment sites in the country to gain this award and the only one in the Dudley borough to be recognised in this way."

The international award, handed out by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, recognises and rewards the best parks and green spaces across the country.

A Green Flag flying overhead is a sign to visitors that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities.

Paul Todd, International Green Flag Award scheme manager, added: “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme, with more Green Flags awarded this year than last year.

“Each flag honours the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”

Haden Hill Park in Cradley Heath - which was also named as a Green Heritage site winner - and Oldbury’s Barnford Park are among Sandwell’s green spaces to have also received the award this year.

Councillor Bill Gavan, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for leisure, said: "Our council staff and waste partner Serco work incredibly hard to keep our green spaces clean and tidy, working closely with volunteers and community groups.

"It's great news that Haden Hill Park has also been awarded a Green Heritage Site award for the management of its historic features."